Non Evans kicks off national sports career roadshow at Cardiff Met

​Welsh sports woman, Non Evans MBE, recently spoke to students at the 'Careers in Sport LIVE' event at Cardiff Met – the first stop on its national tour.

Non, who has competed internationally in four different sports, spoke about her accomplished sporting career and the challenges she faced in convincing her parents that sport could offer a relevant and rewarding vocation. Initially, her parents were opposed to her decision to study sport in university. Now, however, they fully support her and are proud of her success in multiple sports – rugby, judo, wrestling and powerlifting.

Non has been an International Rugby player, Olympic Games commentator, Commonwealth Games competitor and medalist, TV and Radio presenter, successful businesswoman and recipient of an MBE (October 2011), recognised for services to sport.

Non talked about her busy schedule as she applies her knowledge of fitness, training and nutrition in her own personal training business. She emphasised that her decision to study sport at university, opened up numerous opportunities for her and has given her endless opportunities to progress and build her career in sport.

Careers in Sport LIVE bills itself as highlighting the diversity of careers within the sport and leisure industry and aims to provide those looking for a job within the sector with the information they need to establish their career. It gathers together professionals in the fields of sports coaching, health and exercise, management, media and marketing, science and teaching to offer advice on the qualifications and experience required for a career in their profession.

Highlights from the day at Cardiff Met include the 'elite coaching zone' where students watched some of the nation's fastest athletes training and asked questions of Matt Elias - Welsh Athletics national lead coach sprints and hurdles.

Gareth Power from Sport Cardiff also spoke about the role of the local authority's sports development team and outlined how students both contribute and gain from undertaking placements with Sport Cardiff.

Welsh Triathalon was also on hand throughout the event with their performance development coach, Rich Brady speaking about what it takes to become and elite professional athlete.

Cardiff Met's Dr Kerry Harris and Darrell Cobner both conducted presentations. Kerry, who is performance director of women's football, ran a football coaching workshop on the 3G Pitch whilst Darrell spoke in depth about the sports performance analysis industry.

In addition, an exhibition area featuring companies and organisations from all sectors of the sport and fitness industry saw students receiving advice about how to get involved as a player, coach, participant or volunteer.

Speaking about the event, Dean of Cardiff School of Sport, Prof Richard Tong said:

"As one of the leading universities in the UK for sport, we are delighted to have hosted the Careers in Sport LIVE event and see so many students benefit from the myriad of advice available.

"We have superb sports facilities and offer an unparalleled focus on graduate employability throughout all our courses. It was therefore extremely fitting to have played such a large role in an event that hopefully inspired hundreds of students to pursue a career in sport."

The Careers in Sport LIVE roadshow will now move to London, Worcester, Leeds, High Wycombe and Lincoln throughout December, January and February.